The grant will enable Charnwood Borough Council to transfer the Centre to Gorse Covert Community Association on a 40-year lease once the building has been refurbished.
The refurbishment of the Centre is just one of dozens of projects across the country to receive a Community Assets Government grant, funded by the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and delivered by Big Fund, the non-Lottery funding operation of the Big Lottery Fund.
The current building is in a deteriorating condition and has a poor layout. The refurbishment will include relocating the main entrance, offering improved accessibility; making use of its peaked roof by converting it into additional meeting and storage space and installing a lift for disability access.
The Gorse Covert Community Association has been consulting with its existing users which highlighted that the groups using the Centre. It presently supports the work of a wide range of community groups including activities for parents and pre-school children, youth work and adult education. A range of new activities is planned including cookery for local BME groups, increased adult education and health related activities such as smoking cessation.
Cllr John Bush, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said:
“This is all in line with the Council’s objective of using the land and buildings it owns for community benefit. We are very pleased to have secured this funding under competitive bidding. Gorse Covert is the largest award in the East Midlands and one of the largest nationally. The project has been successful because it demonstrates strong partnership working between local authorities, the community and third sector organisations.”
Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for the Third Sector, said,
“The Government is investing £30 million across the country into excellent community projects such as Centre to Gorse Covert Community Association. Facilities such as these are much needed by voluntary and community groups, particularly during these challenging economic times when people are increasing calling on community support.”
Mick McGrath, BIG’s Head of Region for the East Midlands said,
“It is great to see the Gorse Covert Community Association working closely with Charnwood Borough Council to bring together the opportunity to create a newly refurbished centre that will bring so much extra to the local community for many years to come.”
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